Cousins, John A. Baum (Left) (AKA, The Olde’ Bushwacker) a member of the "Seneca Muzzle Loaders and the S.A.R.", who lives in Sandusky, Ohio and Colonel Larry Cornwell (USAF Ret.) (Right) of the "Sons of the American Revolution", out of Montgomery, Alabama, met for the first time in Somerset, Ohio at the S.A.R. grave marking of Revolutionary War Patriot, Peter Witmer.

This Military style event was conducted on Sunday ~ Sept. 26, 2004 ~ in the old, New Reading Cemetery North of the town. The Cousins are separated by 750 miles, 250 years and 14 generations. (7 generations back in time, then 7 more generations forward.) Both men are descended from the same Fifth Great-Grandfather, Captain John George Overmayer, a Revolutionary War Patriot. John appears to favor the Vogt line (Also known as the "Black Vogts") of his fifth G-Grandmother‘s side, and Col. Larry looks to descend from the Overmeyer side.

I think re-enactments are great, but I can think of one thing greater. That is to know without question that you are descended from one of the heroes of the many wars that this nation has fought to preserve its liberties.

What a shame that most of us have no idea that our ancestors played a part in history. Whether you are descended from someone who fought in the War Between the States or the Revolutionary War, there is a real pride that comes when your engraved certificate arrives proclaiming that you are officially a member of that war's society of descendants.

Some of us in the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) have purchased authentic replica Revolutionary War uniforms. We don't want to get our $1000 uniform dirty by rolling around recreating battle scenes, but we do wear them to perform color guard duties or participate in ceremonies to mark the graves of our patriot ancestors. We've also been known to participate in the taping of documentaries of the War of Independence.

I spend a great deal of time researching (free of charge) the ancestry of anyone wanting to join the SAR. I find a Revolutionary War soldier in your ancestral line, gather the necessary documentation to prove each generations' relationship to the next, and prepare your application to join. You pay only the standard application fees and member dues.

I've recruited more new SAR members in the past two years than anyone else in the country, and you have an open invitation to contact me so I can get started on your application. I'm Colonel Larry P. Cornwell, USAF-Retired, and you can reach me at LaCornwell@aol.com.

Here is the link to my original S.A.R. Chapter. 
The Rufus Putnam Chapter of the
Ohio Society of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution
http://rufusputnamsar.org/

Here is the link to my new S.A.R. Chapter.
The Western Reserve Society of Cleveland, of the
Ohio Society of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution
 http://home.roadrunner.com/~jhfranklin/pagesar1.html

This is the picture that hangs on the wall at JUDSON MANOR, in the meeting room  that is used by the Western Reserve Society in Cleveland, Ohio... A true case of the "Country visiting the City"  You just can't have any more fun then this and not be arrested.

Compatriot Keith Kaufman is the most visibly active S.A.R member that I have the pleasure of knowing. Follows is a link to his personal PHOTO ALBUM...A testament to his work and dedication.

Keith Kaufman's Photo Gallery